Cookies

Republican Rep. Sean Duffy stepping down to spend more time with family, reveals 9th child has ‘heart condition’

In this file photo, Duffy (R) (R-WI) along with his wife Rachel Campos-Duffy deliver a speech on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Veteran Tea Party supporter Rep. Sean Duffy is leaving Congress to put family first, the politician wrote in a public announcement on Facebook Monday.

“Recently, we’ve learned that our baby, due in late October, will need even more love, time, and attention due to complications, including a heart condition,” he wrote of him and his wife Rachel Campos-Duffy, who is about to give birth to their ninth child.

“With much prayer, I have decided that this is the right time for me to take a break from public service in order to be the support my wife, baby and family need right now. It is not an easy decision – because I truly love being your Congressman – but it is the right decision for my family, which is my first love and responsibility.”

Duffy (R-Wisc.), a staunch supporter of President Trump, said in an announcement on Facebook that he would step down effective Sept. 23.

Duffy served as a district attorney for eight years before his congressional run, winning his seat after 15-term Rep. Dave Obey, a Democrat, retired.

Tributes started flowing immediately after Duffy’s Facebook announcement, starting with Republican state Sen. Tom Tiffany, who thanked Duffy for his service and wished him luck. He did not say whether he would put his hat in the ring to replace Duffy, whose district lies in northern Wisconsin.